Obituary of Donald Leon

Dr. Donald E. Leon Dr. Leon, 73, passed away after a short illness on March 7, 2010. The son of Theodore (Pop) and Grace Demo Leon, Donald was born in Saranac Lake, New York on May 14, 1936. Leaving home at 16, he joined the U.S. military, serving with the 12th Air Force in Germany. Following his service in the Air Force, Donald obtained through his own ambition a BA from the University of Maryland and a PH. D. from Trinity University, Dublin, Ireland in 1962. Accepting an Associate Professorship in Political Science at State University of New York, Cortland, Dr. Leon quickly proved himself a leader in the department. He helped develop the framework that led to the establishment of the New York State Federation of Teachers Union. Dr. Leon rose to the rank of Full Professor and Department Chair, and held that position until his retirement. Dr. Leon had two overriding passions: his family, and the great outdoors. Incorporating his love of both, no family activity was complete without clouds of dust being kicked up snow being scattered across the mountain, or the wind, powering a sail full. The elements, like his love of life, were to be met full on. A kind, generous man who gave freely of his time, Dr. Leon is survived by his wife, Colleen Kieffer Leon of Charlotte, NC; sons, Paul and his wife, Shari of Garner, NC, Shane and his wife, Jessica of Berlin, Germany, Marc and his wife, Katherine of Alexandria, VA and Donald and his wife, Kathi of Alexandria, VA. Former wife and the married to the mother of his children, Noreen Leon of Raleigh, NC; sister, Barbara Nolan of Grundy County, TN; step daughters, Katie Culclasure and Elise Brittain of Charlotte, NC and nine dearly loved and missed grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Kayann, and his brother Tom Leon of Grand Isle, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 2:00 pm Friday, March 12, 2010, in the Dilworth Chapel of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service. The family will receive friends following the service until 4:00 pm. Dr. Leon will rest forever with his daughter Kayann in Arlington National Cemetery.